WASHINGTON — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Center, which would overturn Roe v. Wade:
“As one of the one in four women in this country who’ve had an abortion, the leaked draft of the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade is terrifying and enraging. This is about the fundamental freedoms of women across this country, who absolutely have the right to make decisions about our bodies and have control over our futures and our economic security. Taking that away is wrong. Let’s be absolutely clear about who will be hurt if this draft becomes a final ruling: Black and Brown women, those who live in rural areas or have lower incomes and can’t afford to cross state lines for care, young people and LGBTQ people, and women in abusive relationships. But everyone should fear this ruling for the freedoms it removes. We cannot let that happen.
“This draft opinion confirms that this radical Supreme Court majority does not respect precedent, does not respect women, does not respect freedom. Let us also be clear that these five justices, appointed by two presidents who lost the popular vote, are prepared to overturn what was a 7-2 decision in 1973, and that 69 percent of Americans across the political spectrum do not believe should be overturned. People across this country who mourn the politicization of the Supreme Court by a radical minority must take to the streets and to the voting booths.
“There is still time for Congress to intervene and avert what would be a disaster for health care in this country — but that time is running out, fast. The House passed the Women’s Health Protection Act to outlaw state anti-abortion laws and codify Roe, but the Senate failed to do so. We applaud Majority Leader Schumer’s commitment to bring that legislation back to the Senate floor.
“It’s now time for the Senators who voted no to reconsider their decision — as well as the devastation that awaits this country if they don’t. The threat to legal abortion is no longer hypothetical, and Senators have an obligation to act accordingly, including making an exception to the filibuster to pass this legislation to protect reproductive freedom.
“In the meantime, it is important to remind everyone that this is a draft opinion, and has not changed current law in any way. Today, Roe v. Wade is the law of the land, and abortion is still legal. If you need care, please reach out to the community of providers and health care professionals who are waiting to support you.”